Google Search Console, formerly known as Google Webmasters Tools (WMT), has undergone a significant transformation over the years. As Google strives to enhance its services and provide webmasters with more advanced tools, the old functionalities have been replaced by new features that offer a broader range of capabilities. In this blog post, we will explore the functions that were once part of Google Webmasters Tools but are no longer available, as well as the exciting additions that have been introduced in the updated Google Search Console.
From Webmasters Tools to Search Console
Consolidation of Tools
Google Webmasters Tools consisted of several individual tools that focused on different aspects of website management, such as crawl errors, sitemaps, and search queries. With the transition to Search Console, Google aimed to streamline the experience by consolidating these tools into a unified platform. This consolidation allowed webmasters to access a wide range of features and data from a single dashboard, simplifying the process of monitoring and optimizing their websites.
Enhanced Performance Monitoring
Google Search Console introduced a more comprehensive approach to performance monitoring. Webmasters gained access to detailed reports and analytics that provided insights into search queries, click-through rates, impressions, and average positions in search results. These performance metrics allowed webmasters to understand how their websites were performing in organic search and identify opportunities for improvement.
Indexing and Crawling Insights
While Google Webmasters Tools provided some information about indexing and crawling, Search Console took this functionality to the next level. Webmasters gained access to critical data such as crawl errors, index coverage, and mobile usability. This information enabled webmasters to identify and address issues that could impact their website’s visibility in search results. Additionally, Search Console offered the “URL Inspection” tool, allowing webmasters to analyze individual URLs and understand how Googlebot rendered and indexed their content.
Structured Data and Rich Results
One of the notable additions to Google Search Console was the focus on structured data and rich results. Webmasters gained the ability to analyze and monitor the implementation of structured data on their websites, ensuring that search engines could understand and display their content accurately. Search Console also provided insights into rich results, such as featured snippets and knowledge panels, enabling webmasters to optimize their content for enhanced visibility in search results.
Core Web Vitals and Page Experience
With the growing emphasis on user experience, Google introduced the concept of Core Web Vitals and the Page Experience update. Search Console became instrumental in evaluating and optimizing a website’s performance metrics, including loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability. Webmasters gained access to Core Web Vitals reports, enabling them to identify areas of improvement and ensure that their websites provided a seamless and engaging user experience.
The Departed and the Discovered – Exploring Past Functions and Exciting New Features
Functions Lost in Transition
“Fetch as Google” – A now-defunct feature from Google Webmasters Tools, “Fetch as Google” allowed webmasters to submit specific URLs for indexing and observe how Googlebot rendered and indexed those pages. However, this functionality is no longer available in the current iteration of Google Search Console. Instead, webmasters can monitor indexing status through alternative means, such as the “URL Inspection” tool.
“HTML Suggestions” – In the previous version of Google Webmasters Tools, webmasters had access to the “HTML Suggestions” feature, which provided recommendations for improving HTML elements such as title tags and meta descriptions. However, this functionality has been phased out in favor of data-driven insights offered through the “Enhancements” section of Google Search Console. This section includes reports on structured data, mobile usability, and AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages).
Newly Discovered Functions in Google Search Console
“Performance Report” – Google Search Console now features an enhanced “Performance Report” that delivers comprehensive data on a website’s organic search performance. This powerful tool enables webmasters to analyze search queries, clicks, impressions, and average position, offering valuable insights to identify trends, optimize content, and monitor the effectiveness of their SEO efforts.
“Core Web Vitals” – Recognizing the significance of user experience and page performance, Google Search Console introduced the “Core Web Vitals” section. This feature empowers webmasters to evaluate and optimize their website’s loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability based on real user data. By addressing issues highlighted within this section, webmasters can enhance the overall user experience and potentially improve their search rankings.